Thank you, John Lennon.

5/31/2012


This morning, as I do almost every morning, received my Charlie mail.
You don't know what Charlie mail is??
Aw. Well, don't fret.
Head over here & see what it is all about!
You could be a 'Charlie' too! :)


Anyhoo, so I opened my mail and was so happy to find this photo + quote:


Of course, I have seen it before.
I've read the quote from the famous John Lennon...
& yet I forget something so simple. 


My life isn't perfect, but it is mine.
I work with what I have and try my best to change the things that bring me down.
Life is good.
It is even better when you live it happy.
So live it happy, friends. 


much love,
xoxo.

Lovelies.

5/26/2012



Woozers!
Look how short my hair was back in October.
It is always longer when it is straight, but geez. 
That is super short, yo.
I now realize that my hair has grown a lot in the past 7 months.
But ... a bit faster would be nice.
Anyways, it seems like every post I'm talking about my hair.
Sorry. I just can't help it.
So, yesterday I worked all day and didn't get a chance to post a few links to my favorites this past week.
I figured before getting ready to head to my friends birthday lunch that I'd share some with you.
Enjoy!

Amber is the sweetest ... & oh-so adorable with her hubby!

How can you not just say "AWW.." over this?? :D

I am really loving DottieAdele!!

Sometimes I can relate to this feeling about blogging.


I love it ALL!!

Ladies, when Molly found the "Hey, Christian girl" quotes by some very handsome celebrities, I laughed so hard. They are the best! Srsly. Greatness!


I adore Kendi, her fashion, and this post. :)


Can we please talk about how adorbs Haley's new hair cut is??! I LOVE it!


I am over-the-moon excited that Mandy shared a new app for photos. Yikes! I am about to download it now!!


Christina shared the sweetest photos & story of her grandparents. 
Love is the most beautiful thing.


& I am loving this blog I came across, through luck of Instagram! ;)


This weekend will be spent working. :/ Boo.
I do hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, though!
Soak up the sun, eat lots of yummy food, relax by the water, and be happy with God has given you!
much love.
xoxo

Trailer Thursday.

5/24/2012

Today was wonderful!
I had the day off & got to get some rest.
It is a great feeling when you are refreshed and ready for a new day.
This afternoon I spent time with a good friend from high school, then got my hair trimmed (NOT cut because I promised myself I'd grow it out no matter what), picked up some groceries, helped a friend pack up to move this coming week, ate some queso, and then we laughed until it hurt.
Good times.


But now:
Can we please talk about some of the awesome movie trailers out?
I love movie trailers.
I think in those 3 short minutes or so, I can determine whether I will love it or hate it.
Sometimes I am wrong, but not often.
So, I would like to share my Top 10 favorites trailers for this year!!

1. The Great Gatsby


2. Won't Back Down


3. The Words


4. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter


5. To Rome with Love


6. Gangster Squad


7. People Like Us


8. Looper


9. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey


10. The Bourne Legacy


All I can say is: 
1. Mommies fighting for their babies is always a win, win in my book.
2. Unusual + Fascinating = Woody Allen.
3. The Hobbit? Seriously. I can't go there. So freakin' excited!
4. I just finished reading Abe Lincoln killing vampires. It was one of the best novels I have read in a while. Please go give it a chance. You won't regret it!  
AND:
5. Leo Dicaprio, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, Joesph Gordon Levitt, & Jeremy Renner all make my heart swoon!!! ;)

Which were your favorites??
(or)
Do you have any that I didn't mention above??

I hope you all had a wonderful day!
much love.
xoxo

Help? ... maybe.

5/23/2012


I'm seriously ridiculous when I get on Instagram.
No joke.
I could just snap photos all day, of anything and everything.
I. just. can't. stop.
& it happens often on my days off!
Help me. Please?? ;)










1. Gotye. :) 2. My little sisters & I while talking to my brother & his family on Skype! 3. plaid, curly hair, and a whole lot of silliness. 4. Reading 5. Reading some more.... 6. Looking @ my old, woren out shoes that I love. 7. A trip with friends a couple weeks back, which consisted of coffee, shopping, and a movie!! & a bunch of laughs. :) 8. Writing w/ my nerdy glasses. 9. Lunch. 10. Good morning! 11. I finished the book!!! :D 12. Bored. 13. Plaid + glasses + curly hair. 14. My view while soaking up the sun!!


Well, that about covers the past couple weeks of my life, minus work.
Boring? Yes. 
Ah. This is what old age is bringing me. ;)
I don't mind, though.

Happy Wednesday, friends.
much love.
xoxo

PS. If you don't already follow me, you can find me on Instagram under: theplaidsparrow

A man & his guitar.

5/18/2012

Listen, folks:
I don't know if I have mentioned this, but lately I am really into the show 'Supernatural'.
I know it may not sound interesting, but IT IS
I promise. So. freakin'. good.

Plus, yesterday I found this video of Jensen Ackles playing the guitar/singing back in 2010.
AWW!
I am seriously a sucker for a man that can play the guitar.
I don't know what it is, but I just swoon over them. 
It's weird, but I don't care. 
Goodness, and he is cute as button! :D

{PS. Sorry the quality isn't great & the audience is so loud, but it was all I could find!
PSS. You should start watching the show.
PSSS. You can thank me later. ;) }

Lovelies.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

So, I'm not sure where this week went!
Seriously.
It just FLEW by for me. 
Because of that I barely had time to read blog posts or find any new favorites.
Boo.
I just wanted to share a quick few that made me smile.

I adore everything in this Etsy shop! Eek. 
It is so perfect for sweet, little birthday gifts. *wink, wink*

I got all giddy over Kelli's blog!
It's a dream.

Recently I am obsessed with this blog & this one!! :)
They are good, I tell ya. 

I know this post is extremely short this week, but next week I will have time to add more.
Before I jet off I want to share something that made me oh-so excited.
Don Naylor is the guy who designed my blog.
Everyone knows I was over the moon about it, and still am!
Well, not only does he blog here, but about a month or so ago he finally got his website up and going!
It can be found at www.donnaylor.com, with his web designs, which features 'The Plaid Sparrow'.
Please do yourself a favor and check him out.
He is awesome!!

Happy weekend, friends.
Soak up the sun.
much love,
xoxo.

Hey, hey!

5/16/2012


[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

I thought I would share some oh-so interesting information about myself.
*dosed with sarcasm, becauuse it's more funny, than interesting!!* ;)

-No matter what, I have to put lotion on my feet EVERYDAY!
-I hate actual cherries, but my favorite pie is cherry pie.
I also hate the taste of watermelon, but anything flavored watermelon is the BEST!
-The radio or tv volume must be on an even number.
-If I have plans to go to work or anywhere else, I must wake up 2 hours before I have to be there.
-I can have up to 20 dreams in one night, and not remember any of them.
-I think about cutting my hair daily. Then, I'm reminded that my teenage sister said she would shave me bald if I did. ha. (This is due to the fact that I cut it every year and hate it every time!!)
-I used to love Twilight. Now I don't.
I also don't plan on watching the rest of the movies.
-I pretend that I am a professional singer. 
In my room. 
Alone.
-I prefer ice water in a cup, rather than a glass.
-Sometimes I like listening to sad music or watching sad movies when I'm down and out. They actually make me feel better?? 
(Strange. I know.)
-I will always read the book before the movie, expect for The Lord of the Rings. I just couldn't get through it! :/
-I am addicted to those Girl Scout thin mint cookies. Its bad ... really bad.
-There are times that I randomly want to break out into dance. 
I don't...which is me doing everyone a favor!
-People think I'm lying to them when I say I am about to be 25. They think I'm 18. Sometimes I wind up agreeing so that I can feel "young" again. ;)
-Oh, and I wish everyone had a nickname. I just like them so much more than "real" names. I don't know why. It's just my thing, I suppose.


I hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!
much love,
xoxo.

Ruts are no fun.

5/15/2012

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

Hey there. 
Could I be honest with you for just a moment?
Yes. 
Ok.
 Here it goes:

My life is a mess.
I do not have it all together, despite how it may seem on this little blog of mine at times.
I am just as broken, lost, flawed, and imperfect as everyone else. 
I beat myself down more than anyone I know.
I run from people who mean the most to me, because I feel like I can conquer my struggles alone.
I guess I don't want to drag them through the dirt, so to speak.
Some days, I am so happy and bubbly on the outside, but feel so hurt and sad on the inside.
I become overwhelmed with stress & worry

I don't like it.
Who would?
But I feel those things...
not everyday, but more often than I'd like. 

In spite of all that, I know that I have hope.
I have been given a promise by my sweet Father.
I am learning to love myself more through His love and grace.
I'm learning patience.
In all that I am also searching for healing.
It's taking a bit longer than I'd hoped, but I'm getting there.
Slowly, but surely.

Life really is a beautiful gift.

PS. Through this season, God is blessing me with wonderful friendships.
It has given me great encouragement just to know such strong & caring women.
For that, I would really love to hear what is going on in your lives.
Whether that be commenting below or shooting me an email.
& no matter how small it may seem, I'd love to hear about it!

as always, much love.
xoxo.

Happy, Happy Mother's Day!

5/13/2012




Dear Momma's,

Today I wish you nothing but pure love.
All consuming, squeeze your babies tight, greatest adventure: LOVE!
I can't wait for the day that I can share in all that is being a mother.
You are all lovely, and strong, and encouraging!
May you be reminded of that today.

much love.
xoxo

[photos: via]

Lovelies.

5/12/2012

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]


Well, this week flew by for me.
I'm so happy it is the weekend & I am off of work!
Though, next week will be a different story, I'm afraid.
Anyhoo, I have plans to run to town this afternoon and get my momma her Mother's Day gift! 
Yay! So fun.
Before I get ready to jet off & do that, I wanted to leave you all with some posts that have inspired, encouraged, and gave me few laughs this past week!

So, without further ado:

When Lauren plays matchmaker to the stars you better believe your in for treat ... & a bunch of laughs!


Haley is so lovely. She is someone I would love to know more. This post brought a sweet smile to my face.


Please do yourself a favor & check out Gentri Lee's trip to the Breathing Blogger Retreat here and here. Plus, more fun with instagram photos here.

Before stopping in Amsterdam, Nicole shares a few snapshots of Seville! So gorgeous!!


Katie never fails at bringing a smile to my face, and this post was no different. :)


Do you remember?


For someone who has struggled on and off her whole life with her weight, this post was most encouraging!!


When the girls shared photos of their Bali trip I just swooned over them all!
(Part 1 & 2 can be found here and here)


Molly & her mom are as cute as buttons, I tell ya! :)


I adore this lady & I love this outfit post! -- I hope she does more of them. ;)


If you haven't heard about The Influence Conference, then please do yourself a favor and read about it on Casey's blog!! 

Happy weekend, friends!! 
& Happy Mother's Day to all the lovely momma's or soon-to-be. 
much love.
xoxo

Guest Post: Ms. Lulu ... or Ash. (I'm sure she will answer to both ;)

5/11/2012

Oh, sweet friends ... you are in for a treat today! 
One of the loveliest ladies around is doing a guest post for me. 
I am over-the-moon excited about it!!
She is a dear & I am so grateful that God is blessing me with such a wonderful friendship!
Please pop on over to her blog after reading what her current favorites are lately.
You will be oh-so happy that you did!
xoxo


hello!

i'm ash from love.lulu. i am so honored that colie asked me to guest post. she is such a doll & is quickly becoming a dear, dear friend.

a little about my life? i've been married to the man of my dreams for three years. we have one sweet little boy (he'll be two next month), & a pretty awesome cat. oh, & i love god. a lot.

the spring in the air has caused me to have organizing on the brain, as well as wanting to try a bit more overall in my appearance & health (I know my husband appreciates it. haha.). with that, i've come across some pretty great things. here are a few of my current favorites.

my new cosmetic bag


i don't know how i've never heard of danica studio until now. it's pretty much perfect. & pretty cheap. which makes me happy.

my new necklace.


this actually just came in the mail a few days ago. from fab.com. i've been in desperate need of new jewelry, & this is so fun!

my new water bottle.


i got my husband the grey&black one for christmas, & have been secretly coveting it since. the other day, he came home with this for me. oh, i love him.

my new bag.


my in-laws got this for me for my birthday. they know me too well. it's my new favorite bag, for sure! & big enough for all my life-with-a-toddler essentials. & well, i think the toddler, too.

well, those are some of my favorites this week. hope you enjoyed.

have a lovely weekend!

love.

Guest Post: These Happy Times

5/07/2012



I am oh-so happy to not only share my very first guest post, but to introduce you to a lovely lady.
Britt is so sweet.
Srsly.
& she has the cutest, little family to boot!
She is someone I wish lived closer, so that I could sit and chat with her over coffee!
I know you'll feel the same.
& please take some time to check out her blog. :)
xoxo

Spread the news.


Please check out The Influence Conference.
It brought a smile to my face this morning!!

The hosts of this lovely event are:




If finances allow it, then you will definitely be seeing me there in October!!
What about you??

All photos found via The Influence Conference website, listed above.